Here are the previews and predictions for Week 9 high school football gams played by Sarasota and Manatee area schools on Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.
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Venice (7-1) at Riverview (6-1)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: In Week 8, Venice defeated Lakewood Ranch 49-14, thanks to several of its underclassmen. Sophomore Austin Bowman finished with 14 carries for 170 yards and three touchdowns, as seniors Ira Dale Jr. and Dorien Jones combined for only six carries. Freshman Mason Polley finished 14-of-20, throwing for 184 yards and two touchdowns. In Week 9, Venice will face a 6-1 Riverview team on the road, who routed North Port 47-7 in Week 8. Senior quarterback Logan Carrillo broke Riverview's record for most passing touchdowns in a single
season against the Bobcats, finishing 9-of-11 for 182 yards and three scores. He has 22 TDs with three weeks left in the regular season. And while Riverview hasn't defeated a Venice team since 2019, the Indians have dealt with several injuries in 2026. Junior four-star receiver Tyree Mannings hasn't played since Week 3. The Indians have lost two offensive lineman. And Dorien Jones — who only had three carries against Lakewood Ranch — was notably absent in Venice's only loss this season to Jacksonville Raines in Week 7. With Carrillo surging and a stout defense (that's allowed an average 17 points per game), don't count out Riverview and expect a closer match as the two teams battle for the District 6A-12 crown.
Moon's prediction: Venice 42-35
Cardinal Mooney (6-1) at Southeast (1-6)
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Cardinal Mooney defeated Bayshore 55-7 in Week 8. The Cougars led 21-0 seven minutes into the game after Jordan Sanders returned a blocked punt for 44 yards and John Jones had a pick-six. Mooney led 42-0 at halftime. The Cougars have outscored opponents 372-161 this season, and they'll likely increase that difference against Southeast, a one-win team that's tracking toward its worst record since an 0-10 finish in 2023. Southeast's only win was in Week 7 against Osceola, which is ranked 505th in Florida. In Week 8, Southeast was shutout 31-0 against Braden River.
Moon's prediction: Cardinal Mooney 63-7
Palmetto (6-1) at Winter Park (3-4)
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Palmetto defeated Manatee 37-14 in Week 8, holding the Hurricanes to its lowest score of the season. The Tigers' defense sacked quarterback Nolan Downes three times and held running back Caedon White to six carries and 23 yards in the second half. Running back Ashton Kelly had three touchdowns for 130 yards. Since its Week 1 loss to Clearwater Catholic Central, Palmetto has continued to become better, winning six straight. Despite its record, Winter Park is ranked 67th in Florida with its only notable win coming against Lake Nona (ranked 86th) in overtime.
Moon's prediction: Palmetto 38-14
Sarasota (5-2) at Lakewood Ranch (2-5)
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Sarasota defeated Lehigh 34-20 in Week 8, tying its most wins in a season since 2022. Running back Cameron Houston scored three touchdowns as quarterback Hudson West finished 14-of-23 with 216 yards and two touchdowns, adding a rushing score. In Week 9, Sarasota will travel to face a Lakewood Ranch squad that is currently on a five game losing streak. Lakewood Ranch's defense has allowed an average 28 points per game, while its offense averages 14 points per game.
Moon's prediction: Sarasota 56-13
Wellen Park (5-2) at Braden River (5-1)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Braden River shutout Southeast 31-0 in Week 8. Senior quarterback Louisen Desinor finished 11-of-18 with 144 yards and two scores, while rushing for 39 yards on nine carries. Junior running back Antonio Jackson ran for 105 yards on 21 carries with one score, while senior Marquis Koonce led all receivers with two catches for 59 yards and two touchdowns. Braden River has won its most games since 2023, when the Pirates finished 5-5. But in Week 9, they'll have a home test against Wellen Park, which is 5-2 in its inaugural season. In Week 8, Wellen Park defeated Clewiston behind its defense after a slow offensive start. Wellen Park's defense held Clewiston to 126 total yards. The Eagles had 202 rushing yards, 156 of which came in the second half. But behind Braden River's defense — which allows an average of 19.5 points per game — the Pirates should earn their sixth win. Against Clewiston, Wellen Park's starting quarterback Noah Wireman exited the game and didn't play the second half. Coming back from injury and being a young team, a senior-led Braden River will likely win in Week 9.
Moon's prediction: Braden River 35-14
North Port (2-5) at Lehigh (0-7)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: North Port fell 47-7 to Riverview in Week 8, and will face a Lehigh team that has yet to win a game in Week 9. North Port's lone score in Week 9 came late in the first half on an 8-yard run by sophomore quarterback Cameron Wilson. Lehigh is ranked 458th in Florida, losing to Fort Myers, Estero, Venice, Riverview and Dunbar. Lehigh has only managed 53 points across seven games this season.
Moon's prediction: North Port 21-14
IMG Jr. National (1-4) at Parrish Community (0-7)
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Parrish Community has struggled this season, losing most recently to Sumner 52-6. Across its seven games, Parrish's offense has averaged eight points per game. IMG Jr. National is ranked 326th in Florida, picking up a Week 1 win against Zarephath Academy Eagles. The Ascenders have lost four straight games since.
Moon's prediction: IMG Jr. National 21-7
Sunshine State Athletic Association
Saint Stephen's (5-3) at Santa Fe Catholic (6-1)
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Saint Stephen's is coming off a bye after a 5-3 start to the season. In Week 8, Saint Stephen's fell 46-6 to Canterbury, which is ranked 282nd in Florida. Santa Fe Catholic is ranked 174th. Outside of an 81-7 loss to Lakeland, Santa Fe Catholic has held to an average of nine points per game. The Hawks will be huge road challenge for Saint Stephen's.
Moon's prediction: Santa Fe Catholic 35-14
Bradenton Christian (6-2) at Foundation Christian (6-2)
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Bradenton Christian defeated Shorecrest Prep 20-8 in Week 9. The Panthers' defense forced four turnovers and had four sacks against Shorecrest Prep. Mason Masingil recorded a sack and had two fumble recoveries, one which he returned for a 45-yard touchdown. Foundation Christian is ranked eighth in eight-man football in Florida, picking up wins against Slam Tampa and TCA.
Moon's prediction: Bradenton Christian 28-21
The Classical Academy (4-3) of Sarasota at Geneva Classical (2-5)
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: TCA fell to Lakeside Christian 36-20 in Week 8, suffering its third loss of the season. Geneva Classical Academy is ranked 17th in eight-man football in Florida, and is on a two-game losing streak.
Moon's prediction: TCA 32-21
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida High School Football Week 9: Sarasota, Manatee game previews
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